The Silent Killer: Understanding Workplace Trauma and its Long-Term Impact

As we spend a significant chunk of our lives in the workplace, it is important to recognise the presence of workplace-related trauma. Just like any other form of trauma, the effects of work-related trauma can be long-lasting and negatively impact an individual’s personal and professional relationships. Read on to know more about workplace trauma, its signs, and long-term impact on individuals and organisations worldwide, as well as some tips for individuals to assess and address their trauma.

Discrimination. Bullying. Accident. Aggression. Mental or verbal abuse. Loss of job.

Workplace trauma can take many forms, ranging from harassment and bullying to physical violence and life-threatening situations. It is defined as any experience that causes psychological or physical harm to individuals in the workplace. Such incidents can happen to anyone, regardless of job position, industry, or geographic location.

Unfortunately, not many individuals realise that they are undergoing such trauma until the symptoms of the trauma experience manifest themselves.

Signs of Workplace Trauma

One identifiable sign of an individual experiencing distress from work is the presence of acute gastric pain. This is caused by an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to a decrease in the production of gastric juices and cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Besides physical signs, workplace trauma can also manifest as psychological signs including insomnia, irrational fears, nightmares, flashbacks to stressful events and a sense of helplessness or vulnerability.

Individuals may become withdrawn, show a disinterest in their job, have difficulties concentrating and experience mood fluctuations. When left unaddressed, these symptoms can worsen and lead to more serious problems such as addiction and PTSD, which can permanently damage the mental and physical well-being of the individual.

Impact of Long-Term Workplace Trauma

Long-term exposure to workplace trauma can have negative effects on an individual’s mental and physical health, leading to loss of productivity and disengagement in the workplace. Studies have shown that employees who experience ongoing stress due to traumatic workplace incidents are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and PTSD, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased work productivity.

It does not only impact the individual but also the organisation they work for as it can result in a loss of talent and skills since employees exposed to trauma may feel the need to seek employment elsewhere. Moreover, the organisation may face a legal backlash should an employee decide to sue for negligence, as failure to address workplace trauma could be seen as the employer’s responsibility.

In Australia, the legislative framework for workplace health and safety is guided by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This law is built on the principle that workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety, and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work. The Act imposes a primary duty of care on employers, requiring them to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers. This includes providing a safe work environment, adequate facilities, information, training, and supervision, and monitoring the health of workers and conditions at the workplace. Furthermore, employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and must not adversely affect the health and safety of others. Breaches of these duties can result in substantial penalties. Importantly, the legislation encourages cooperation and consultation between employers and workers, fostering a collective approach to workplace health and safety.

Tips for Addressing Workplace Trauma

It is essential to recognise and seek help if you experience workplace trauma. Here are some tips on how to address the situation:

1. Recognise signs of trauma and take action, such as talking to a trusted person. Do not ignore the issue or wait for it to pass on its own.

Talking to a trusted senior colleague or boss, trauma therapist registered with a professional body, or healthcare professional is crucial in managing and addressing your symptoms.

2. Seek professional help if necessary, including therapy or counselling.

Check if your organisation has programs supporting the mental health of staff. If not, talk to HR about starting a support program or Employee Assistance Program. They provide free and confidential counselling services for employees and their families, helping with work performance and personal life. They can offer resources to colleagues facing similar challenges, fostering open dialogue and support.

3. Develop an action plan that outlines steps you can take to manage your stress level, such as adopting Mindfulness or meditation practices, journaling or engage in physical activities to release anxiety level.

Look Out!

Workplace trauma can strike anyone, and it’s crucial to identify and confront the warning signs before they escalate into long-term issues. The effects aren’t just limited to individuals; they ripple across the entire organisation. That is why it is imperative for organisations to take workplace trauma seriously by offering training to equip employees to have healthy coping strategies and establishing policies that emphasise respect and accountability. By doing so, they create a supportive environment that encourages seeking professional help and fosters healthy work relationships. Let’s safeguard the mental and physical well-being of employees together. 💪✨

Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services can support individuals or organizations through Return To Work or WorkCover plans.

Contact us through the Contact Form to inquire how you regain confidence and joy in your work.

To read more about workplace stress and trauma, head over the Australian government website Healthdirect.